Timothy James Dow, 71, longtime resident of Fort Collins, passed away on September 8th, 2022, with his family and loved ones by his side.
Tim was born in Kearney Nebraska on February 14th, 1951, to Sue and Ralph Dow. He is survived by his three sons Ryan (Candice), Sean (Elisabeth), Neal, his life partner of 12 years Christine Susemihl, brother Tom Dow (Gina Marie Lindsey), sister-in-law Joy Dow, and mother of his boys, Karen Holmes Martin. He was also the proud Grandpa of two Granddaughters (Zoey & Dylan - Ryan and Candice). He was predeceased by his parents (Ralph & Sue Dow), brothers Jack, Jim, Steve Dow, and ex-wife and Law Partner Patty Dow.
Tim and family moved to Greeley, CO in 1962. He played basketball for Greeley West High School, then went on to the University of Utah on a basketball scholarship. That competitive drive from basketball would go on to fuel his law career. He later moved back to Colorado, obtaining his BS in Business Administration from University of Northern Colorado, Greeley (1973), MBA from Colorado State University (1974), and his Law Degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln (1978).
Tim began his law practice in 1978 in Ft Collins and co-founded the Dow Law Firm, LLC in 1997, focusing on business, real estate, water, estate, and tax law. He was a proud and dedicated servant to the Fort Collins community, having previously served on the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board, City of Fort Collins Water Board, Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, Fort Collins Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, Colorado Economic Development Commission, and the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. In addition to his public service, he was a long-time supporter of Colorado State University.
His sons remember walking to lunch with him and being amazed with how many he knew - we couldn't go a block without him knowing someone, shaking a hand, and stopping for a quick chat. He had an infectious laugh and a warm smile that always made you feel welcome. He had a huge presence yet was a gentle and kind human being.
He was a life-long learner and instilled that quest for knowledge and hard work with all of those around him. His love of learning led him to teach part time in the Colorado State University College of Business. He loved teaching, sharing knowledge, getting to know students, and challenging the next generation of business leaders. He frequently told stories of some of his students and how much he enjoyed teaching.
Outside of work and family, he loved to travel. His favorite places were Steamboat Springs, Santa Fe, and just about any Caribbean cruise. When the boys were young, you would often find him on the driveway playing basketball - until Sean blocked his shot, that is! He promptly retired from driveway basketball at that point. He loved golf, skiing, and hosting cookouts on his deck at Ptarmigan. Later in life, his favorite pastime was spending time with Christine and her large family enjoying food, drinks, and playful banter.
There will be a celebration of life in remembrance of Tim at Ptarmigan Country Club, Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 1- 4 pm.